Sparks Acquire WNBA Veteran Jennifer Gillom

Related Articles

El Segundo, CA, May 1 - The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired former Phoenix Mercury Center and WNBA veteran, Jennifer Gillom it was announced today by Sparks General Manager, Penny Toler.

Gillom enters her seventh season in the league as the second leading scorer in WNBA history behind now Sparks teammate Lisa Leslie.Barry GossageWNBAE/Getty Images

“We are extremely happy with our acquisition,” exclaimed Toler. “To acquire such a phenomenal player at this stage is truly unbelievable. We are simply ecstatic to have her as part of our team.”

Gillom, who entered the League as an inaugural member of the Phoenix Mercury, was released Thursday as an unrestricted free agent after the Mercury failed to make a qualifying offer.

“What can I say? We’ve just acquired another great veteran that adds to the core of experience we already have,” beamed Sparks Head Coach Michael Cooper. “Jennifer adds versatility to our front line and rotation and brings another scoring option to our arsenal of offensive weapons. We are confident that she will fit in well with our core and provide excellent leadership to our rookies.”

Averaging 15.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 1.3 apg over her WNBA career, Gillom enters her seventh season in the league as the second leading scorer in WNBA history behind now Sparks teammate, Lisa Leslie. In the 2002 season, Gillom led the Mercury in scoring for the fourth consecutive season and tied for the 11th spot among top scorers in the league. She also finished among the top 15 in the WNBA’s three-point department.

“I am still in a bit of shock but, what a happy day,” said Gillom. “If I can’t be in Phoenix then what better place to be, than in Los Angeles, the City of Champions.”

The Sparks will open the 2003 preseason, Saturday, May 10th versus the San Antonio Silver Stars at the Pyramid at Long Beach State University. Tickets are available now at the Pyramid Box Office. Los Angeles will tip off its 2003 home opener Thursday June 5th at STAPLES Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. with its 2nd Consecutive Ring and Banner Ceremony followed by a 7:30 p.m. tip vs. the Sacramento Monarchs.